4 new theatrical productions open

'Evita' cast members are Annie Marsh (from left) as The Mistress, Jeff Phillips as Juan Peron, Kendra Goehring-Garrett as Eva Peron and Tracy Byrd as Magaldi.

Published: Tuesday, February 18, 2014 at 8:06 a.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, February 18, 2014 at 8:06 a.m.

4 new theatrical productions open

Four new theatrical productions open on Southeastern North Carolina stages this week, three of them musicals. Look for reviews in next week's issue of Play.

1. ‘Evita'

After first staging it in the 1990s, Opera House Theatre Co. again tackles the musical about Eva Peron (played by Kendra Goehring-Garrett), who rose from poverty to a position of immense power and influence as the wife of controversial Argentinian President Juan Perón (Jeff Phillips). "Evita" is built on the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, who penned the show-stopping number "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina" with lyricist Tim Rice. Directed by Ray Kennedy, a two-time winner at the StarNews Media Wilmington Theater Awards for Best Director of a Musical, and with a cast packed with Theater Awards winners and nominees. Details: 8 p.m. Feb. 19-22 and 28-March 1, 3 p.m. Feb. 23 and March 2 at Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St., downtown Wilmington. $29. 632-2285 or ThalianHall.org

After making its debut at TheatreNOW last year, this interactive "Irish wake" dinner theater show returns just in time to get you into the St. Patrick's Day spirit. From my review in 2013: "Full of rousing (sometimes bawdy) sing-a-longs, engaging performances, random Irish step dancing and silly – OK, stupid – jokes, you'll likely leave with a lilt on your tongue, not to mention a full belly." Details: 6 p.m. doors, 7 p.m. show, Feb. 21-22, Feb. 28-March 1, March 7-8 and 14-15 at TheatreNOW, 19 S. 10th St., downtown Wilmington. $28, $18 for children under 12. Includes Irish dinner and show but not drinks or gratuity. 399-3669 or TheatreWilmington.com.

4. ‘Fraktured Faery Tales for A Mid-Winter's Eve IV'

The latest family show from Journey Productions, which is beginning its 14th season. Children team up with adults (aka "performance educators") to give classic fairy tales a contemporary, creative twist. Details: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20 and 27, 8 p.m. Feb. 21-22 and 28-March 1, and 3 p.m. Feb. 22-23 and March 1-2 at Thalian Hall's studio theater, 310 Chestnut St., downtown Wilmington. $12. 632-2285 or ThalianHall.org

<p>4 new theatrical productions open</p><p>Four new theatrical productions open on Southeastern North Carolina stages this week, three of them musicals. Look for reviews in next week's issue of Play. </p><p>1. 'Evita' </br></p><p>After first staging it in the 1990s, Opera House Theatre Co. again tackles the musical about Eva Peron (played by Kendra Goehring-Garrett), who rose from poverty to a position of immense power and influence as the wife of controversial Argentinian President Juan Perón (Jeff Phillips). "Evita" is built on the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, who penned the show-stopping number "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina" with lyricist Tim Rice. Directed by Ray Kennedy, a two-time winner at the <a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/topic18"><b>StarNews Media</b></a> Wilmington Theater Awards for Best Director of a Musical, and with a cast packed with Theater Awards winners and nominees. Details: 8 p.m. Feb. 19-22 and 28-March 1, 3 p.m. Feb. 23 and March 2 at <a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/topic9941"><b>Thalian Hall</b></a>, 310 Chestnut St., downtown Wilmington. $29. 632-2285 or ThalianHall.org</p><p>2. 'I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change' </br></p><p>Brunswick Little Theatre presents this musical comedy revue about how love runs its course from dating through marriage and beyond. Details: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21-22 and March 2, 3 p.m. Feb. 23 and March 2 at the Brunswick Center at Southport, 1513 N. Howe Street, Suite 1, Southport. $17, $12 for students. BrunswickLittleTheatre.com</p><p>3. 'Charlie Murphy's Fond Farewell' </br></p><p>After making its debut at TheatreNOW last year, this interactive "Irish wake" dinner theater show returns just in time to get you into the St. Patrick's Day spirit. From my review in 2013: "Full of rousing (sometimes bawdy) sing-a-longs, engaging performances, random Irish step dancing and silly – OK, stupid – jokes, you'll likely leave with a lilt on your tongue, not to mention a full belly." Details: 6 p.m. doors, 7 p.m. show, Feb. 21-22, Feb. 28-March 1, March 7-8 and 14-15 at TheatreNOW, 19 S. 10th St., downtown Wilmington. $28, $18 for children under 12. Includes Irish dinner and show but not drinks or gratuity. 399-3669 or TheatreWilmington.com. </p><p>4. 'Fraktured Faery Tales for A Mid-Winter's Eve IV' </br></p><p>The latest family show from Journey Productions, which is beginning its 14th season. Children team up with adults (aka "performance educators") to give classic fairy tales a contemporary, creative twist. Details: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20 and 27, 8 p.m. Feb. 21-22 and 28-March 1, and 3 p.m. Feb. 22-23 and March 1-2 at Thalian Hall's studio theater, 310 Chestnut St., downtown Wilmington. $12. 632-2285 or ThalianHall.org</p><p>– John Staton</p>